Jamie Oliver’s greatest hits
With so many fingers in so many pies it’s often difficult to keep track of the Naked Chef, so here’s our pick of his greatest hits.
Top cook book?
Jamie Oliver has topped the Christmas book chart for five years, outselling the likes of JK Rowling. He has 15 books under his belt (selling 30 million copies) – so which is our pick of the bunch?
Jamie’s 15 and 30 Minute Meals
Ok, so we’ve chosen two. We’re big fans of his latest cookbooks; Jamie’s 15 Minute Meals and its older sibling, Jamie’s 30 Minute Meals, having tested both ourselves. Who would we have believed it was possible to make a meal in the nick of time? Thanks to Jamie O, good food can be fast food too. We’ll get behind that.
Favourite recipe?
With thousands upon thousands of recipes to choose from, it’s difficult to choose only one favourite but these two leap like truffles from the thicket, where our past experience is concerned.
1. Jamie’s 15 Minute Meals: falafel wraps, grilled veg & salsa
When testing out Jamie’s latest book, we put this recipe through it’s paces and it certainly stood up to the challenge. (See how our 15 minute test turned out.)
2. Jamie’s 30 Minute Meals: Rib Eye Stir Fry
This was one of the hits from our very first Yuppiechef cookathon so we had to include it here. Give it a go.
Favourite Jamie Oliver cookware?
Naturally, when a chef and a world renowned cookware company join forces, only great things can come. This Tefal Jamie Oliver Professional Series Stainless Steel 9 Piece Uncoated Set is our favourite of Jamie Oliver’s kitchenware ranges.
Best Jamie Oliver video?
He might be a multi-million dollar empire but we think it’s not the industry that makes the man, it’s the man that makes the industry. When it comes to picking a top video, we had to go with this endearing one of Jamie teaching Italian monks to cook in order to help save the oldest herb garden in Italy. His generosity of spirit and keen sense for food loving adventure melts our collective hearts like butter.
Jamie’s Great Italian Escape
The most inspiring thing Jamie is doing right now?
Food revolution campaign
This one’s a biggie and it’s been the fire beneath his feet for the last seven years. With obesity being the top killer in the States and spreading, thanks to the fast food industry, Jamie is adamant about kick-starting a food revolution starting with America’s schooling system. Check out this awesome infographic explaining it all and his truly inspirational TED award speech.
Our favourite Jamie Oliver quotes
Die hard Jamie Oliver fans will probably remember his classically coined phrases from yester-year like ‘pukka-tukka’, ‘lovely jubbly’ and ‘wicked’ food. While those phrases do speak to his colloquial humility, we would rather pay homage to his quirky mind and words of wisdom. Here are our favourite Jamie quotes. We think they encapsulate his good food philosophy and the genuine ideals of a family man.
‘All I ever wanted to do was to make food accessible to everyone; to show that you can make mistakes – I do all the time – but it doesn’t matter.’
‘I love roasting because you can give it love, get it in the oven and go and play with the kids or whatever you’ve got to do, and then hours later you’ve got a lovely dinner.’
Our favourite bit of Jamie Oliver trivia
Did you know that Jamie plays the drums? He does indeedy. Check out this popular addition to his early Happy Days Live shows where he sings and cooks to a friend’s song ‘Lamb Curry‘.
Best ways to keep in touch with him
Follow him on one of the plethora of social media to stay in touch with his awesome endeavours. Go Jamie.
His facebook page literally has enraptured the hearts of millions of fans. Go see.
Fancy a spur of the moment recipe? Find him on twitter.
Want visual inspiration? His Instagram is a sight for life-loving eyes.